Meet the Governors
Welcome to St Mary's Priory Schools Governing Body
Welcome to the Governance page of Plympton St. Mary Infant school and Old Priory Junior Academy Governing Body. Both schools are part of St. Christopher’s Multi Academy Trust; “A strong family of outstanding schools, serving their community and contributing fully to the provision of education, collaborating with other partners to achieve common goals.”
The Multi Academy Trust is accountable in Law for all decisions about its academies however, the Local Governing Bodies have been delegated responsibilities by the Trust which along with working with the senior leadership team ensures that day to day decisions regarding the school's are made locally by those who know the school best. The Local Governing Board also supports staff to ensure that the School continues to move forward in line with its School Improvement Plan.
The Local Governing Board is made up of dedicated volunteers all of whom have different skills and experience and have a common commitment to education, the school children, staff, parents/carers and the local community.
Governors have specific areas of responsibility:
Chair of Governors: Robert Harris
Vice-Chair of Governors: tbc
Safeguarding Lead: Sarah Shelton
Clerk to the LGB Sam Brown email: old.clerk@stcmat.org
If you wish to contact the Governing Body, or you are interested in becoming a governor, please email the clerk.
Composition of governors for 2022/23
N.B: please use the sliding bar to see governor attendance figures at 2021/22 meetings
Current Governors | |||||||
Name | Type of Governor | Appointing Body | Role | Term Start/End | Committee(s) | Registered Interests | Attendance 2021/22 |
Robert Harris | Parish Priest Ex-officio | Trust | Chair of Governors; Ethos & Community | n/a | LGB, P&P, Admissions
| Team Rector, Plympton, Diocese of Exeter; Company Director @ Eden; Charity trustee @ Exeter Diocesan Board of Education, EDBE schools organisation and governance group, Exeter Diocesan Education Network committee | 5 of 6 |
Emma Kingwell | Staff | Staff |
| 31/08/22 | LGB | None | 4 of 6 |
Mike Lewis | Foundation | Trust | Premises, H&S, Maintenance | 31/03/22 | LGB, P&P, Admissions | Employee @ Babcock international | 2 of 3 |
Ray Nair | Foundation | Trust | Vice Chair; Disadvantaged Pupils | 01/09/22 | LGB, P&P, Admissions | Retail Manager Furniture Industry | n/a |
Suzie Ottewell | Ex-officio | Trust | Headteacher | n/a | LGB, Admissions |
| 6 of 6 |
Sarah Shelton | Parent | Parents/carers | Safeguarding | 21/09/22 | LGB, P&P, Admissions | Friends of St Marys School & Old Priory Juinor PTFA member. Livewell employee - might offer services to families/pupils at these schools | n/a |
Victoria Whittingham | Parent | Parents/carers | Curriculum & Standards | 21/09/22 | LGB, P&P, Admissions | Employed teacher. Owner/proprietor of DMW Plumbing | n/a |
Emma Young | Foundation | Trust | Curriculum & Standards | 16/12/19 | LGB, P&P, Admissions
| Head of School Plaistow Hill Infant & Nursery School & Ex-officio governor | 2 of 6 |
VACANCY | Foundation | Trust |
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VACANCY | Foundation | Trust |
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VACANCY | Foundation | Trust |
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VACANCY | Co-opted | LGB |
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Jane Burt | Associate | LGB | Deputy Headteacher |
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| 5 of 6 |
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Governors that have ceased governing in the last 12 months | |||||||
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| Start date | End date | Reason |
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Karen Aspinall | Parent | Trust | 22/05/18 | 21/05/22 | End of term |
| 6 of 6 |
Sarah Woolven-Allen |
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| 07/10/19 | 31/07/22 | Resignation |
| 5 of 6 |
My name is Sarah Shelton and I currently have one child who attends St Marys Priory Schools. I have been part of the school community for 7 years and you are likely to have met me as part of the PTA. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and going for walks. As governor, I am looking forward to supporting the continued improvement and journey of the schools and ensuring that our children have the best learning experiences possible during their time here.
My name is Emma Young and I currently have two daughters that attend St Marys Priory Schools. As the headteacher of a local school, I am passionate about education and ensuring children have access to excellent teaching and learning opportunities. I am also an advocate for a holistic approach to learning, so children are nurtured by experiences such as trips, forest school and positive relationships. In my spare time, I enjoy dog walks and swimming with my family. I take my role as governor seriously to ensure that OUR children have the best possible education whilst at St Marys Priory Schools.
Hi, my name is Ray Nair and I currently have a daughter and son who attend St Mary's and Old Priory. I'm originally from London and have worked in retail for over 20 years in various management capacities. As governor I feel it's hugely important that both schools are operating to a high standard and giving those attending every opportunity to flourish and grow into confident and capable individuals.
Victoria Whittingham: I am a parent of two lovely children, one is in year 4 and the other is in EYFS. I have been teaching for 17 years in various Primary schools across Surrey and Devon and previously been a staff Governor. I’m hoping to support both schools within their journey to being the best they can be.